We’re excited to introduce a powerful new digital tool for the voluntary and community sector in Essex: the E-Portal and its companion AI Chatbot. These resources are designed to streamline support, provide easier access to vital information, and empower local organisations with user-friendly self-assessment tools.
To help you get the most out of these tools, we’re hosting a series of free webinars. These interactive sessions will guide you through the key features of the E-Portal and demonstrate how the AI Chatbot can assist with queries and navigation. You’ll also get a preview of future developments and the opportunity to share your feedback.
Let’s Talk Mental Health is about coming together to connect, support and inspire; and drawing on our own experiences to engage, empower and educate.
It’s a safe space where you can share your mental health journey, express yourself creatively through art or poetry, participate in a podcast and find meaningful opportunities to make change.
Help shift the narrative around mental health in Essex and beyond by having positive conversations, telling real stories and challenging stigmas.
As the Labour Government begins to implement its local government reorganisation and devolution agendas, significant changes are on the horizon. But what do these reforms mean for voluntary and community groups, and social enterprises across Essex?
Join the Conversation
The Social Spark Seminar offers an opportunity for VCSE (Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise) organisations across mid and south Essex to explore the implications of these political and structural shifts. With insights from key decision-makers and policy thinkers, the event will provide a platform for meaningful discussion, strategic reflection, and proactive planning.
Why Attend?
Understand how the evolving landscape of local government could impact your organisation and the communities you serve.
Explore ways to prepare for change and influence the outcomes in your area.
Connect with peers, leaders, and changemakers across the region.
This is your chance to pause before the summer holidays, reflect on what’s ahead, and network over drinks in a collaborative setting.
This summer, join Rhiannon Faith Company & Harlow Playhouse for a weekend of FREE, family-friendly fun celebrating care, kindness & community in the heart of Harlow. 💛
Renew Counselling is offering a limited number of bursary-funded counselling places for people who are finding life difficult but may struggle to afford support.
Sessions are available at our centres in Chelmsford, Basildon and Brentwood.
To find out more please contact Renew via info@renew.org.uk or calling 01245 359 353, mentioning our bursary when you get in touch.
Author: Emily Smith
Posted:
Categories: Events, News
Major changes are planned to councils across Greater Essex as part of the largest reorganisation of local government in over 50 years.
The Government is requiring 21 areas of England to restructure and this includes Chelmsford. In Essex, there are nearly 1.9m people, currently served by 15 councils. These must reorganise to form a smaller number of new unitary authorities.
Public consultation launched
Right now, Essex councils are developing various different proposals about how all this could work. A public consultation to give people a chance to have their say has just been launched by one proposal to guide their vision for new unitary councils across Greater Essex.
The ‘5’ Council Proposal
A group of councils, including Basildon, Brentwood, Castle Point, Chelmsford, Colchester, Maldon, Southend and Uttlesford is developing a proposal for 5 future unitary authorities in Greater Essex, each centred around a major town or city. For residents of Chelmsford, this would mean a new unitary authority covering its existing city council area, combined with Brentwood and Maldon.
Your feedback matters
This isn’t the only proposal. Some councils are working on other recommendations for fewer than 5 councils, most of which would serve bigger areas across Essex.
Chelmsford City Council is backing the 5 council option and your feedback is needed to shape this proposal before it’s sent to the Government in late September.
Have your say
Businesses can have their say until 20 July 2025 by visiting a consultation page hosted by Southend-on-Sea City Council on behalf of the group of councils developing the ‘5 council’ proposal.
Alternative formats are also available on request. You can ask for a paper version of the survey by calling 01702 215408 or by emailing consultations@southend.gov.uk.
If you’re a qualified Mental Health First Aider (MHFAider), staying up to date with the latest knowledge and best practices is crucial. To maintain your active membership with the Association of Mental Health First Aiders®, you are required to complete a refresher course every three years. This ensures you continue receiving essential support, development, and the confidence needed to perform your role effectively.
Upcoming Refresher Training Details
We’re excited to offer an upcoming Mental Health First Aid Refresher Training Course designed to update your skills and reinforce your confidence in supporting mental health in the workplace or community.
🗓️ Date: Wednesday 23rd July 🕤 Time: 9:30 AM – 2:00 PM (Half-Day Course) 💻 Format: Online 💷 Cost: £125 per person 🎁 What’s Included: A new workbook, lanyard, and crisis card
Why Take This Course?
The MHFA Refresher course is essential for:
Keeping your knowledge up-to-date
Renewing your MHFA England membership
Building confidence in applying mental health first aid techniques
Continuing your journey in mental health advocacy and support
Who Should Attend?
This course is for anyone who has previously qualified as a Mental Health First Aider through MHFA England. Whether you’re in a corporate, educational, healthcare, or voluntary setting, this training will support your continued commitment to mental health awareness and intervention.
Healthwatch Essex has published its Annual Report for 2024–2025, showcasing a remarkable year of impact, innovation, and influence across the health and care system in Essex. Despite a challenging landscape marked by system-wide pressures and financial cuts, the organisation has continued to shine a light on the real experiences of people across the county and use those voices to drive change.
From the powerful and moving “Expressions of Trauma” art exhibition to the ever-growing success of the Fella’s Forums and comedy-led wellbeing events, Healthwatch Essex has continued to explore new ways of engaging communities and breaking down stigma around mental health, trauma, and social isolation. Over 1,400 people accessed support through their Information and Guidance service, and nearly 260 volunteers and ambassadors worked alongside the team to ensure lived experience remained at the heart of decision-making.
The report also highlights vital research into the needs of unpaid carers, women with multiple long-term conditions, and people affected by mould, homelessness, and the care system. Healthwatch Essex’s work with the Integrated Care Boards, local authorities, and voluntary sector partners is helping to improve access to services, tackle inequalities, and shape more inclusive support.
CEO Sam Glover reflected on the impact of projects such as the Carers Voices programme and the Trauma Ambassador network, noting the growing influence of peer-led insight and co-production. The organisation was also recognised this year as a Silver Veterans Accredited Employer and a Fostering Friendly Employer.
Read the full Annual Report to learn more about how people across Essex are helping to shape health and care services with their voices and experiences.
📍 Location: Maldon Golf Club 📅 Date: Friday 5th September 2025 ⏰ Tee-Off Time: 10:00 AM (Check-in from 8:30 AM) 💷 Entry Fee: £75 per person
Get ready for an incredible day of golf, connection, and community impact! Heads2Minds and Ending Life’s Taboo are teaming up to host a Charity Golf Tournament Fundraiser at the beautiful Maldon Golf Club – and you’re invited.
Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just enjoy the game, this is your chance to enjoy a fun-filled day while supporting vital mental health and suicide prevention causes.
🏌️♀️ What’s Included:
☕ Tea, coffee & bacon rolls on arrival
🍽️ Delicious two-course lunch
🎁 Exciting prize raffle
⛳ Competitions like “Nearest to the Pin” and “Beat the Pro”
🎟️ How to Join:
Registration fee: £75 per person
Check-in begins from 8:30 AM
Tee-off at 10:00 AM
This is more than just a game of golf – it’s a chance to connect, raise awareness, and make a real difference. All proceeds go toward supporting mental health initiatives and breaking the stigma around suicide.
Don’t miss this chance to enjoy a day on the green while giving back. Rally your team, grab your clubs, and help us create positive change – one swing at a time.
Author: Emily Smith
Posted:
Categories: Events, News
The Carers Voices team continues to expand its reach across Essex, listening to unpaid carers and offering a vital platform for their experiences to be heard and valued. From supporting carers with employment struggles to offering training and social opportunities, we’re building a stronger, more connected network for carers across the county.
Upcoming Carers Voices Events
Come and meet us in person at one of our summer engagement events:
Healthier Habits Hub 📅 Thursday, 3rd July | 🕘 9am–4pm 📍 The Lounge, Esplanade Hall, Harwich CO12 3ES
Basildon Hospital Atrium 📅 Monday, 7th July | 🕙 10am–2pm
Broomfield Hospital Atrium 📅 Monday, 14th July | 🕙 10am–2pm
Colchester Carnival 📅 Saturday, 19th July | 🕘 9am–5pm
Billericay Town FC Fella’s Fair 📅 Saturday, 19th July | 🕚 11am–5:30pm 📍 New Lodge, CM12 9SA | Free entry before 1pm
Colchester Hospital Atrium 📅 Thursday, 24th July | 🕙 10am–2pm
Warley Family Fun Day 📅 Friday, 1st July | 🕘 9am–5pm 📍 Warley Playing Fields, CM13 3AZ
Harlow Care Weekender 📅 Sunday, 3rd August | 🕛 12pm–5pm 📍 Playhouse Square, Harlow
Share Your Experience: Carers and Employment
Balancing work and caring responsibilities is one of the biggest challenges faced by unpaid carers. Many experience real barriers in the workplace.
We’re currently running a live survey to gather insights. 👉 Take the survey here
Your feedback helps shape better services and support.
